5 Tips To Fuel Your Small Breed Dog/s

This post is sponsored by Wellness CORE but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

As an animal care provider I handle many shapes, sizes, ages and species throughout the week.

It has truly given me an appreciation for all of the many factors that contribute to what makes each and every pet I come across so very unique. And when it comes to dogs every wet nose, puppy slurp, and toe bean (yes, that's the official term) is as distinctly one of a kind as the pup that owns them.

Naturally, that is what makes annual vet check-ups so very important. Just like no human from any one background, hair color, shape, or size is identical to another of similar build every pup requires it's own unique map to a long, happy, life lived. However, when it comes to breed size, there are definitely some generic tips you can take to heart to help ensure your pups are living their happiest life, no matter their, erm, short-comings.

In no particular order, here are my favorite tips to help fuel small breed dogs, in particular...

#1: Let Them Slurp

If you have a small breed dog then you know that size does not limit personality. If anything small dogs are known for having larger than life personalities that define them far beyond their height and stature.

Whether your dog is justifiable timid and slow to trust, the life of the party at the end of the leash borking (yes, borking) on 2 paws, or the bossy bitch at the dog park talking smack through the chain link fence at the 'big dog side.' small breed dogs have consistently clear and defined personalities.

One thing is for certain, though, you are their favorite human- unless you have a food motivated dog- then the bringer of food is Person #1, and you are Person #2- but hey, #2 ain't so shabby, so don't feel bad. No matter the persona your small pup embodies it's important to know that you are their sun (or their moon, depending on where you are in the food galaxy) and any and all affections they so honorably bestow upon you should be greeted as though it were a treasured gift. After all, it kinds is, isn't it?

It may sound like common sense (great! then you do this already,) but your pup needs time to show you love and affection just as much as you feel you need to take time out to reciprocate with pets and love to them. This might just be a few seconds snuggled up against you, a moment where you take your hands off the laptop/coffee mug/smartphone for just 2 extra minutes, or that magical word "kisses" and an invitation for some sloppy kisses.

Whatever your dog's love language is use it often- this just may be one of the biggest fuels you can provide for a longer, happier life!

2. I Am My Own Dog

I often here people joke that those who parent small  breed dogs 'collect' them like crazy cat ladies collect cats. Just like potato chips, you can't have 'just one.'

If you've fallen into this pattern of tiny paws and itty snouts it can be easy to get a little laxed and let certain behaviors slide in the name of 'fairness' or even your own convenience.

Whether it's easiest to do 'the same' for every pup, or simply something you feel is right because that's the only 'fair' wait to do it- think again.

Going back to how each pup is their own unique, wonderful, ball of wonder and magic- each dog should always have the consideration of an individual. Sure, you CAN buy 1 large dog bowl and let all the small breed dogs graze on the same food throughout the day- but is that what's really best? Even brothers and sisters from the same litter, raised in the same household, can have different nutrition needs as they age. And if that isn't reason alone your pup will certainly appreciate seeing your recognize them as a unique individual with their own feeding station, and food consideration. You don't like the same exact things as your siblings, do you?

In our home Nora wouldn't get a single bite if Gidget had her say, so we are always sure to separate feeding areas to ensure that Nora gets every bite of her carefully selected food and nutrition. And Gidget, who metabolizes better than Nora, and can handle a higher fat content in her food for her high energy levels throughout the day, needs a little extra protein then mature Nora.

Taking time out to re-evaluate your small breed dog's needs on a 1-by-1 basis, at least once a year, while working with a vet for proper nutrition means you can get the most from meal time.

3. Protein Is At The CORE Of My Dog's Diet

While every dog is different, and your dog's diet should always be guided by a licensed veterinarian, many believe that small breed dogs can thrive on quality, natural, animal proteins. But finding a grain-free, protein-rich, natural pet food that also caters towards the tiny mouths of small breed dogs has traditionally been frustrating.

Many of my clients feed their pets Wellness® CORE® RawRev, a kibble+ dry food with 100% freeze dried meat, for a flavorful and protein packed meal that helps fuel breeds of every size. Until now, however, I haven't been able to share this range with my own pups, because the formulations weren't made for dogs their size.

However, Wellness® CORE® Small Breed is here at last and packed full of all sorts of flavorful treats from wet shreds and broth pouches to Wellness® CORE® Small Breed RawRev and Wellness® CORE® Petite Treats for a comprehensive selection to delight every small breed dog's unique palette and needs. Find Wellness CORE Small Breed at a store near you today!

Both of our girls are loving Wellness® CORE® Small Breed High Protein Kibble + 100% RAW Turkey- it's a safe and easy way to integrate RAW feeding into their diets at home and on the go. We transitioned this new blend into their old Wellness dog food over the course of a week and bowls are being licked clean. We even get a little happy dance at meal time!

Gidget, at 2.3lbs, benefits from a small portion of 'wet' feeding each day and enjoys the Wellness® CORE® Grain Free Mini Meals- especially the shredded varieties with generous chunks of meat you can see.

***PRO TIP: Make your own 'slow feeder' by sizing up your small breed dog's bowl to a 'large' bowl and adding small washable dog toys at the bottom. Cheap rubber based dog dogs are easy to wash in the dishwasher and soak, and help create a barrier for your pup to navigate at feeding time, for slower eating and better digestion!

4. Fuel Their Brain

Treating your pups is a wonderful time to bond, and a necessary part of any Small Breed to Human Slave relationship. However, where it is mandatory in the rules that treats are given often and amply, there is not regulation on how they must be presented- so I say, make them work for it!

These days there are many wonderful treat dispensers, robot treat launchers, and homemade puzzles you can provide to help exercise your pups brain, and senses, at treat time.

We, especially, have been enjoying watching Gidget 'forrage' for her Wellness® CORE® Petite Treats in a homemade "Snuffle Mat." You can find various kits online for plastic mat bases- but these Snuffle Mats really can be made at home with any felt strips of your choice tied to a variety of creative bases. The main idea is to tie the treats to, and hide them deep within, the flaps and folds of these mats.

You can make an event of it and present the filled mat to your pup, or slyly hide 1 or 2 in the mat when you pass by throughout the day. The Snuffle Mat is always a hot spot in our household!

5. Just Because I'm Small Doesn't Mean I Don't Need To Work Out

Naturally your dog's age, health, joints, etc- determine the amount of exercise and play they can safely do every day. The important part is to know what your small breed dog is capable of and encouraging them to do it!

It can be quite easy to have a lap dog, or two, or three snuggled at every corner of the couch or arm chair for hours on end- but the truth is that your and your pups should be motivating each other!

Just because they are SMALL does not mean their don't need to get their heart pumping, and stretch those tiny legs!

Take several time outs during the day, if even for 5 minutes, to stop and get their zoomies on with some silly fun beyond a trip to the backyard or a walk for potty.

Keep in mind your dog's size physical limitation and their environment, such as temperature, joint sensitivities, heights, and always provide plenty of fresh water before/during/after playtime, but PLAY often. You're not only fueling your pup's day, but enriching yours as well!

So there you have it, 5 of my favorite tips for fueling Small Breed Dogs for their furriest and fiercest life. Just like parenting or raising any other living thing, learning to raise and care for a small breed dog is a constantly evolving experience. There's no such thing as perfect, but remember, you're pretty darn close in your dog's eyes (unless, again, you aren't the bringer of food, then remember you're still pretty darn close.)

7 Organic Grocery Items You Didn't Know You Could Buy At Walmart

This post is sponsored by Horizon but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

Being a modern consumer can be complicated.

When I was a child the only time my mother bought groceries at a store other than the one closest to our house was if there was an amazing sale that matched up with a coupon in her wallet. Shopping for a family was much simpler a generation ago simply because consumers did not have easy access to the buyer's education and resources we have today. There was no internet for concerned mothers to network on, no pages of searches demanding transparency from brands, or subcultures of foodies sharing their passion for greener eating.

As a result I've been quite overwhelmed with trying to juggle my modern family's budget, and my millennial schedule, with shopping fro ethical and wholesome ingredients. For a while I was building multiple grocery lists, by store, for a single week at a time!

If you know the stress I am referring to all to well then you might be thrilled to learn about a little life hack I've recently picked up on my regular shopping trips to Walmart. We have both a Walmart Supercenter and Walmart Neighborhood Market in my hometown, so I am constantly grabbing grocery needs while picking up prescriptions, a new jacket for the upcoming rain, or the latest video game accessory.

I am at Walmart at least twice, if not three times a week on average, but I never realized just how many of my organic grocery needs I could buy there as well. Finding my organic "treasures" while on my everyday Walmart shopping trip not only saves me money, but precious time as well. Just take at look at some of these everyday Organic grocery finds we found on our most recent trip:

1. Organic Pre-Packaged Vegetables and Fruit

Generally speaking shopping organic will always be at a slightly higher 'premium' cost than shopping 'non organic' equivalent, when it comes to fresh produce. Two ways to help offset this potential budget increase is by shopping at Walmart, and choosing pre-packaged, or 'ready-to'eat' options when available. This helps save you valuable prep time, and everyone knows time is money.

2. Ready-To-Eat Snacks And Salads

Our local Walmarts have a great selection of Organic single serving snacks and entree salads in the fresh produce department. Salads such as this Chicken Cesar are certified organic and ready to eat on the go so you can feel good about your eating choices any time of the day.

3. Organic Pressed Juices, Kombucha, And More!

A lot of the time I am way too busy through the late morning and mid-day to stop to eat a full meal, but often I find my stomach rumbling an my energy crashing around 1PM. Having a delicious, fortified, and well balanced organic fruit or vegetable juice based drink on hand can really stop me from getting cranky and sluggish. You'll find a variety or Organic bottled beverages in the cold case directly next to the packaged salads and fruits at your local Walmart. There are even some options with probiotics and protein for unique dietary needs!

4. Fresh Fruit And Vegetables

This is probably the first grocery category that comes to your mind when I mention Organic groceries. I'll be honest, fresh Organic fruits and vegetables were some of the first things I started adding to my grocery list when I began buying Organic for our family. You'll find shelf talkers, liners, loud labels, and signs calling out fresh organic finds like these raspberries in the produce department at Walmart. I love feeling good about eating these delicious treats right out of the package or straight from my shopping bag upon unpacking at home.

5. Organic Milk.

Milk has been a staple at my dinner table since I was a little girl, and continues to be a weekly buy for my fridge. During the average week I use Organic milk for smoothies, creamy sauce recipes, cereal, homemade ice cream, and so much more. My preferred brand of Organic milk is Horizon, and my local Walmart has an entire cold case dedicated to the many varieties of it. Just look for the red cartons!

Horizon cows are certified organic grassfed and spend time in lush pastures where they can graze free- yes even the cows eat organic, and as a result their milk is always GMO free. They're a brand I've been following for years now as they have been advocating, along with others, for clear and tough organic standards that go beyond what is currently required by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). For me, Horizon is a brand I can feel good about buying for my family.

You'll find Horizon's Organic Grassfed Milk in whole and 2% Half Gallons with an impressive expiration date for Organic milk and a clean taste we swear we notice. Horizon Organic Grassfed milk is definitely my preferred 'drinking' milk, and what I use in all my dairy based recipes for wholesome flavor I can feel good about.

6. Shelf Stable Staples.

A lot of new-to-Organic shoppers may feel they can only find shelf stable Organics at specialty grocers, or in small designated aisle spaces in big box superstores. At Walmart you'll find many Organic companion choices right next to your everyday staples. Many times I'll even find an Organic option in my favorite brand- other times I'll choose the Walmart Great Value Organic equivalent and save myself quite a bit off  big brand Organic pricing. Some of my favorite everyday Organic shelf stable staples include peanut butter, honey, salsa, and more!

7. Baked Goods.

When I recently discovered Select Seeds Great Value Organic Bread while hunting for some ingredients for a classic PB&J, I was thrilled to complete my sandwich needs with all Organic ingredients! Who knew you could buy Organic bread right at Walmart?

Shopping Walmart for Organic groceries is always an exciting treasure hunt as more and more Organic items are being added every week. When I come across an Organic option in my favorite brands I get excited to slash another thing off my shopping list. When I discover something new I hadn't previously been able to buy Organic outside of a pricey specialty store I do a little dance right there in aisle. It has never been easier to shop Organic and feel good about wholesome grocery choices thanks to Walmart. If you've been thinking about buying Organic, or are a seasoned and dedicated Organic pro, check out your local Walmart today for amazing grocery options like Horizon Grassfed Organic.

White Cheddar Bacon Hasselback Potatoes Recipe + New Dinner Hacks

Have you ever noticed some of the best family recipes are passed down by mouth, without any real written directions or ingredients at all? Every family has at least one. You know, the recipe that only those lucky enough to have spent time in Nana's kitchen with Nana preparing can really replicate.

Their composition may be so deeply shrouded in mystery on the pretense of a secret ingredient, or a lively tale that dates beyond family written records- But you and I know the recipe will never be written down, or found on a card, or in a book simply because it's true success is not based on fine measurements or elaborate steps; rather a secret family cooking trick, or that one ingredient substitute you'd never think to try. Recipes that can easily be made with what one has on hand, and through pinches and handfuls of measurements.

Yes, the amazing cooking can be recipe-free and impressively flavorful when you know the right hacks to make a little magic happen.

Of course every magician needs a few powerful tools in their bag of tricks- which is precisely where NEW McCormick Pasta Seasoning Blends come in to play. Available in White Cheddar Mac n' Cheese, Sundried Tomato Basil, and Parmesan Alfredo these bold and flavorful seasons go beyond your typical spice rack hacks to bring delicious sauces to life (just add milk and butter) or to season up any freestyle dish with simply a few shakes. They're made without artificial flavors or colors and are easily located with the traditional cooking spices at your local Walmart.

One of my personal favorite 'recipe free' dishes, and family favorite, are Hasselback Potatoes. It's a dish that looks quite impressive, but can easily be pulled off with minimal ingredients and simple knife trick. I used to rely on a multi-step seasoning process for my potatoes but recently simplified my recipe even further by swapping out all other spices and seasonings in this recipe for McCormick White Cheddar Mac n' Cheese Pasta Seasoning.With it's bold aged cheddar flavor I don't need to fuss with anything else- I can dig right into preparing this delicious dish. Simply gather your favorite block of cheddar cheese, green onions, baking potatoes, a stick of butter, and some bacon.

We usually have pre-cooked bacon on hand at all times- but this is a recipe I especially like making a fresh batch for. You can customize your flavor and textures here by choosing the type of bacon your family most prefers- I typically go with a Hickory Center/Thick Cut. Half your bacon and place it in a single layer on a foil lined sheet and bake just until it begins to crisp at 350F. Then carefully remove your bacon and gently blot between double layered paper towels.

Next, crumble your bacon over a medium sized bowl and sprinkle about 2 tsp McCormick White Cheddar Pasta Seasoning (or really as much as you'd prefer) onto your bacon crumbles. Toss the crumbles in the seasoning until each piece has a light white coat, and set aside.

Prepare your green onions by dicing the greens, while you let your oven preheat to a new temperature of 450F. If you prefer a slightly different palette feel free to substitute the green onions with finer, more delicate, chives.

Wash and pat dry your potatoes with a paper towel or clean cloth. Inspect your spuds for any wayward eyes, and remove as necessary.

Beginning with one potato, on a cutting board, cut a thin, lengthwise, slice off of the bottom of each potato so as to create a flat surface for each to rest on. Next comes yet another genius cooking hack- one intended to make you look like a culinary artist without any special tools or skills.

Place 2 wooden utensils on opposite sides of a potato, on a cutting board. At a slight diagonal angle cut 20-24 slits into the potato, stopping when the knife hits the spoons. Repeat with remaining potatoes.

Place prepared potatoes on a microwave safe dish and microwave on HIGH for 12-14 minutes, or until potatoes are near tender. Remove from microwave and place on lightly greased, foil lined, pan.

Combine remaining McCormick White Cheddar Pasta Seasoning and melted butter and brush over the top of each potato, paying special attention to allow the mixture to permeate the cut seams. Bake potatoes for 15 MINS, or until tender. Remove from oven.

Your potatoes should be well cooked, and the McCormick White Cheddar Pasta Seasoning will have made a wonderful cheese like crust along the skin of your potatoes' ridges. Each slice should now easily peel apart, though the potato itself will maintain enough structure to still be handled.

Carefully insert bacon pieces alternatively with cheese slices. Be careful, the potatoes will be hot! Use a fork as needed to gently pry apart the potato slices. Sprinkle with McCormick White Cheddar Pasta Seasoning if desired and top with green onions. Return potatoes to the oven (broiler or top rack) for 2-3 minutes, or until topping has melted and begins to lightly brown. Remove from heat, cut in half, and serve.

Potatoes are a classic sidekick for many meals, and bacon-cheese covered potatoes rarely get better than this- Each slice not only oozes cheesy-bacon flavor but this beautiful dish is a sight to behold and is full of complex cheesy flavor thanks the addition of McCormick White Cheddar Pasta Seasoning. I especially love that I was able to cut any added salt out of this recipe, without a single complaint on flavor. We'll definitely be exploring the NEW McCormick Pasta Seasoning Blends even further- I've got a mind to try some homemade Parmesan Alfredo burger patties this weekend!

It's not always easy to find time for recipe books and precision cooking- why not try stepping outside your comfort zone with a little freestyle cooking thanks to the big flavor power of NEW McCormick Seasoning Blends? Do you have a family recipe that is passed down only by mouth, and learning?

White Cheddar Bacon Hasselback Potatoes

***Click here for printable White Cheddar Bacon Hasselback Potatoes recipe